Diclofenac is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) whose veterinary use has been the main cause of the catastrophic 99% decline of several species of vultures in South Asia.

In a recently published paper in the journal Bird Conservation International, scientists found diclofenac residue in tissues of steppe eagles found dead in Rajasthan, India. These birds of prey are closely related to the golden eagles found in the UK, the vulnerable Spanish Imperial Eagle and other globally vulnerable or declining Eurasian eagles. Scientists now fear that all species in this genus, known as Aquila, are susceptible to diclofenac too.

Despite the tragic experience in South Asia and the availability of safe drug alternatives, we have confirmed that veterinary diclofenac is now commercially available in at least two EU countries: Spain and Italy.

Spain and Italy are key to vulture and eagle conservation in Europe and protecting European populations requires a coordinated campaign. BirdLife Europe, its Partners in Italy (LIPU) and Spain (SEO/BirdLife) and the Vulture Conservation Foundation call the EU to ban veterinary diclofenac to avoid the repetition of the South Asian ecological catastrophe. Support our call!

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We are currently fundraising to stop vulture poisoning across Europe and Africa. Together we can make a difference. Support our appeal here!